ase2000 v2 user guide

ASE2000 Communication Test Set Version 2

User Guide

Document Revision 1.8 October 4, 2012

Applied Systems Engineering, Inc. [email protected]

www.ase-systems.com Tel: (408) 364-0500 Fax: (408) 364-0550

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Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ IIOVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 5VERSION 1 / VERSION 2 COMPARISON .............................................................................................. 5

EXCHANGE MODE AND TASK MODE HIGHLIGHTS ...................................................................................... 6EXCHANGE MODE AND TASK MODE OPERATIONAL BASICS ...................................................................... 7OTHER VERSION 1 AND 2 COMPARISONS .................................................................................................... 8

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................. 9WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM SUPPORT .................................................................................................. 9HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 9INSTALLATION SETUP ............................................................................................................................... 10INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ...................................................................................................................... 10

QUICK-START GUIDE ............................................................................................................................ 11PHYSICAL CONNECTION TO COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT ........................................................................... 11LAUNCH ASE2000 TEST SET APPLICATION ............................................................................................. 11SELECT OPERATIONAL MODE TASK MODE OR EXCHANGE MODE ......................................................... 11SELECTION AND CONFIGURATION OF PROTOCOL ..................................................................................... 12

Exchange Mode Protocol Selection and Configuration ...................................................................... 12Task Mode Device Selection and Configuration ................................................................................. 13

PROTOCOL SPECIFIC CONFIGURATION ...................................................................................................... 15CONFIGURATION OF COMMUNICATION SETTINGS .................................................................................... 15

Communication Settings for Serial Data Communication .................................................................. 15Communication Settings for Network Communication ....................................................................... 17

SELECT COMMUNICATION MODE AND START COMMUNICATING ............................................................. 18Exchange Mode Master Simulation Mode ....................................................................................... 18Exchange Mode Monitor Mode ........................................................................................................ 19Exchange Mode RTU Simulation Mode ........................................................................................... 19Task Mode Master Simulation Mode ............................................................................................... 19Task Mode Monitor Mode ................................................................................................................ 20Task Mode RTU Simulation Mode ................................................................................................... 20

COMMUNICATION MESSAGE PROCESSING .................................................................................. 21MESSAGE EXPORT/IMPORT FACILITY ....................................................................................................... 24MESSAGE CAPTURE FACILITY .................................................................................................................. 24

SCREEN LAYOUT .................................................................................................................................... 26TITLE LINE ............................................................................................................................................... 26MENU BAR ............................................................................................................................................... 26

File Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 26Edit Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 28View Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 28Tools Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 30Mode Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 43Help Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 43

TOOL BAR ................................................................................................................................................ 44Player Buttons ..................................................................................................................................... 45Time Line ............................................................................................................................................ 45Capture File Control ........................................................................................................................... 45Communication Port Selection ........................................................................................................... 46

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Query Control ..................................................................................................................................... 47WORK SPACE ........................................................................................................................................... 48

Drag Repositioning ............................................................................................................................. 48Context Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 48

DOCKING .................................................................................................................................................. 48Drag Repositioning ............................................................................................................................. 48Auto Hide ............................................................................................................................................ 49Context Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 49

LAYOUT PERSISTENCE .............................................................................................................................. 49LAYOUT GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................... 49STATUS LINE ............................................................................................................................................ 49

Communication Mode ......................................................................................................................... 50Communication Statistics .................................................................................................................... 50

VIEW MENU DETAILS ........................................................................................................................... 52TASKS ...................................................................................................................................................... 52MESSAGE QUERY BUILDER AND MESSAGE QUERY .................................................................................. 52

Message Query Definition .................................................................................................................. 55Message Query Builder Example ........................................................................................................ 55

POINT LIST VIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 59Point List Overview ............................................................................................................................. 59Edit Menu for Points List View ........................................................................................................... 60RTU Simulation and Task Mode ......................................................................................................... 61

EXCHANGE LIST VIEW ............................................................................................................................. 61Exchange View Menu .......................................................................................................................... 62

LINE MONITOR VIEW ............................................................................................................................... 68Edit Menu for Line Monitor View ....................................................................................................... 68

MESSAGES VIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 69Edit Menu for Messages View ............................................................................................................. 71

EVENT LOG .............................................................................................................................................. 71Edit Menu for Event Log View ............................................................................................................ 71

LINE ANALYZER ....................................................................................................................................... 72Edit Menu for Line Analyzer View ...................................................................................................... 73

EXCHANGE MODE .................................................................................................................................. 74STARTING COMMUNICATION .................................................................................................................... 74

RTU Simulation and Monitor Mode .................................................................................................... 74Master Simulation ............................................................................................................................... 74

TASK MODE .............................................................................................................................................. 76DEVICE DEFINITION ................................................................................................................................. 76

Point Definition ................................................................................................................................... 79TASK MODE OPERATION, MASTER SIMULATION MODE ........................................................................... 80

Task Selection and Navigation ............................................................................................................ 80Task Activation, General .................................................................................................................... 82Task Setup and Activation, Digital Control Tasks .............................................................................. 83Task Setup and Activation, Analog Control Tasks .............................................................................. 85Task Setup and Activation, File Transfer Tasks .................................................................................. 87

TASK MODE OPERATION, MONITOR MODE .............................................................................................. 89TASK MODE OPERATION, RTU SIMULATION MODE ................................................................................ 90

ASE2000 CABLING ................................................................................................................................... 92RS-232 CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................. 92

Master Simulation Mode RS-232 ..................................................................................................... 93RTU/IED Simulation Mode RS-232 ................................................................................................. 94

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Monitor Mode RS-232 ...................................................................................................................... 95MODEM CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 96

Master Simulation Mode Modem Connection .................................................................................. 97RTU/IED Simulation Mode Modem Connection .............................................................................. 98Monitor Mode Modem Connection .................................................................................................. 99

ASE2000 NETWORK PROTOCOL USE ...............................................................................................100MASTER MODE ........................................................................................................................................101RTU MODE .............................................................................................................................................102MONITOR MODE ......................................................................................................................................103

ASE BELL-202 DUAL-CHANNEL MODEM ADJUSTMENT ...........................................................104ADJUSTING MODEMS WITH WHITE COLORED POTENTIOMETERS ...........................................................105ADJUSTING MODEMS WITH ORANGE OR YELLOW COLORED POTENTIOMETERS .....................................105

RS-232 CABLE AND ADAPTER PIN-OUT ..........................................................................................107DB-25 CONNECTOR PIN-OUT ................................................................................................................107DB-9 CONNECTOR PIN-OUT ..................................................................................................................108DB-9 TO DB-25 ADAPTOR ......................................................................................................................108DB-25 NULL MODEM ADAPTOR (STANDARD) ........................................................................................109DB-9 NULL MODEM ADAPTOR (STANDARD) ..........................................................................................109ASE RS-232 MONITOR ADAPTOR CABLE ...............................................................................................110

ASE2000 KIT CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................111MODEL ASE2000-USB-M ......................................................................................................................111MODEL ASE2000-USB-RS .....................................................................................................................111MODEL ASE2000-COM .........................................................................................................................112

ASE2000 KIT COMPONENTS ...............................................................................................................113ASE DUAL CHANNEL BCOM-USB DEVICE WITH TWO RS-232 CABLES, USB CABLE, AND BCOM-USB TO ASE 2-CHANNEL MODEM POWER CABLE ................................................................................................113ASE BELL-202 / CCITT V.23 DUAL-CHANNEL MODEM ........................................................................113DB-25 FEMALE-FEMALE GENDER CHANGER ..........................................................................................114DB-9 TO DB-25 ADAPTER .......................................................................................................................114RS-232 CABLE WITH DB-9 FEMALE AND DB-25 MALE ..........................................................................115SAFENET USB PORT AND PARALLEL PORT (LPT) DONGLE ....................................................................115

BCOM-USB DEVICE GUIDE .................................................................................................................116BCOM-USB OVERVIEW .........................................................................................................................116BCOM-USB DEVICE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................116BCOM-USB COMPONENTS ....................................................................................................................117BCOM-USB RS-233 PIN-OUT .................................................................................................................120BCOM-USB I/O DRIVER INSTALLATION ................................................................................................121

BCOM-USB Windows 2000 / XP / Vista I/O Driver Installation .......................................................122BCOM-USB Windows 7 I/O Driver Installation ................................................................................130

BCOM-USB DEVICE TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................................................142BCOM-USB I/O Driver Communication Problems ...........................................................................142

ASE LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER ..............................................................................................145ASE LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER OVERVIEW .....................................................................................145ASE LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER OPERATION ...................................146ASE LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER NEW LICENSE FILE INSTALLATION .................................................147ASE LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER NEW FIRMWARE INSTALLATION ....................................................148ASE LICENSE/FIRMWARE UPDATER PROGRAM INSTALLATION ..............................................................150

OVERVIEW Welcome to ASE2000 Version 2, the first major release of the ASE2000 Communication Test Set since it was first introduced in 1998. ASE2000 Version 2 contains all the functionality of Version 1 plus several new features, enhancements for ease of use, and upgrades requested from our many users over the years. The ASE2000 is a communication protocol analyzer and communication test tool designed for operation in the SCADA industry with emphasis on protocols used predominantly in the electric power utility industry. The ASE2000 supports over 80 such protocols, both serial and network based. As a full-featured SCADA communication test tool, the ASE2000 supports three basic modes of operational testing; Line Monitor Mode, Master Simulation Mode, and RTU Simulation Mode. These are essentially functional test modes and exist within the two ASE2000 operational modes; Exchange Mode and Task Mode. Line Monitor Mode is one of the primary uses of the ASE2000 and is used to provide visibility into communication occurring between a master station and remote devices (RTUs, IEDs, or PLCs). As such, one of the main features of the ASE2000 is the capability to operate as a line monitoring device, presenting communication message data in raw (numeric) format, and also interpreting those messages into protocol specific English text for ease of understanding. Input point values are extracted from the message and can be viewed in a separate tabular formatted view. In addition to monitoring communication on a serial line or network connection, the ASE2000 can also operate as either a master or remote device to further exercise, test, and diagnose problems. Master Simulation Mode provides the ability to simulate a master and to issue messages to exercise and diagnose problems in a remote device. All information and views available in Line Monitoring mode are also available in Master Simulation mode. The main difference is operational in that the ASE2000 takes the place of the master in transmission of messages to the remote device. RTU Simulation Mode provides the ability to simulate one or more remote devices to exercise the master and diagnose potential problems. All information and views available in Line Monitoring mode are also available in RTU Simulation mode. The main difference is operational in that the ASE2000 takes the place of the remote device (or devices) in transmission of messages to the master.

VERSION 1 / VERSION 2 COMPARISON Version 1 of the ASE2000 Communication Test Set was first released in 1998 with thousands of copies currently in use worldwide. And, while some areas of ASE2000 Version 2 have a slightly different look and feel than Version 1, there was a significant effort made to provide a familiar operating interface for users already familiar with

Version 1 to minimize the learning requirement in making the transition from Version 1 to Version 2.

Exchange Mode and Task Mode Highlights The most significant difference between ASE2000 Version 1 and Version 2 is the addition of Task Mode operational mode. ASE2000 Version 1 has a single, unnamed, operational mode but, with the addition of Task Mode in Version 2, it became necessary to distinguish between the two Version 2 operational modes. In Version 2, the test set features provided in Version 1 as well as a Version 1 look and feel is available in Version 2 Exchange Mode and, to a certain extent, can be thought of as Version 1 compatibility mode. The main conceptual different between the two modes is in the way communication is organized. For the most part, the same capabilities exist in both Exchange and Task Modes. In addition, Task Mode supports some complex operations such as file transfers and embedded DNP3 security messages. These capabilities are only partially available in Exchange Mode. Exchange Mode can support multiple operations, such as scanning a device for data while also periodically issuing control output requests. Task Mode currently supports single operations only. Exchange Mode operations are based on the selection and configuration of one or more protocol messages or exchanges. The terms message, protocol message, and exchange will be used interchangeably in this document. The user selects one or more messages, edits them as necessary for the point configuration of the target device, and enables communication for the appropriate functional mode; Monitor, Master, or RTU. Some detailed knowledge of the protocol may be required for message preparation. Content of all messages must be configured in advance and message content cannot be edited once communication starts. Task Mode is a new mode of operation introduced in Verson 2 and is intended to provide a simple, easy to use interface to commonly used test set functions that does not require a detailed knowledge of the protocol. As the name implies, it presents a task oriented interface for selecting test set functionality. For example, instead of a list of individual exchanges, the user is presented with a set of functional tasks such as Initialization, Acquire Data, Controls, etc. Within each task group is a set of exchanges that, for the selected protocol, provide the functions specific to the task group. Instead of configuring individual exchanges as in Exchange Mode, the user must configure devices (RTU, IED, PLC, etc.) in terms point types and point counts and the device configuration is used in Task Mode to automatically configure the appropriate protocol message for the desired task. Once a device configuration is entered, it is saved permanently is a device database where it can be re-selected for future test sessions. When operating in Task Mode, Master Simulation and RTU Simulation actions are performed on a single, selected device. Monitor Mode supports monitoring of one or more selected devices.

Exchange Mode and Task Mode Operational Basics From an operational perspective:

Exchange Mode operates as an ASE2000 Version 1 Test Set. The user selects a protocol, is presented with an applicable set of exchanges (messages), configures and enables one or more of these exchanges, and starts communication. Master Simulation, RTU Simulation, and Monitor modes appear very similar, if not identical, to those in Version 1. Some manual editing of the default exchanges to account for specific point configurations may be necessary prior to start of communication. The actual editing steps required are largely dependent on the protocol selected and is very similar to Version 1 editing requirements.

Task Mode communication is based on point configuration information for a particular device. Before starting Task Mode operation for the first time, the user must define one or more devices (RTUs, IEDs, PLCs). The properties for defining a device include a protocol, device address, and point configuration information (point types, addresses, and counts). Device definition is persistent (retained when the ASE2000 is stopped and restarted). The user starts Task Mode operation by first selecting a device from the pre-entered list. The ASE2000 responds by displaying a list of tasks applicable to the protocol of the selected device. Tasks are grouped in functional categories such as Initialize, Acquire Data, and Time Sync. The user proceeds by selecting a grouping and a task within the selected group.

In Master Simulation mode, communication is started by selecting one of the Transmit ICONS (Send Once or Send Continuously). The ASE2000 automatically transmits messages required to accomplish the selected task.

Monitor Mode contains a single task, selection of which starts the line monitoring process. Data response interpretation uses point information entered during the device configuration step.

For some protocols, such as Harris, Conitel, and CDC, the ASE2000 can only parse point data from a communication message if it knows, in advance, the devices point configuration. For these, message interpretation replies on correct user data base configuration information entry.

For other protocols such as IEC and DNP3 where point configuration can be determined from the communication message, the ASE2000 automatically creates data base entries for undefined points. For these protocols, data base configuration information definition is desirable, but not 100% required. It suffices to enter only the correct device address or ID.

Task Mode monitoring is oriented to a single device. If you wish to monitor multiple devices on a communications line, and have a protocol that requires advanced knowledge of the devices configuration then you may find the Exchange Mode better suited for this operation.

RTU Simulation mode also contains a single task. The ASE2000 builds response messages based on point information entered during the device configuration step.

Complete point configuration information must be entered for all RTU Simulation devices being used, regardless of protocol.

During online operation in RTU Simulation mode, values for individual points can be manually entered in the Point Values view.

Both Exchange and Task Mode support RTU simulation of a single device. Task Mode enforces this by only responding to messages addressed to the selected device.

Other Version 1 and 2 Comparisons Line Monitor View. Both ASE2000 Versions 1 and 2 show master/remote

communication messages in a Line Monitor View with Interpreted Data at the right and Raw Data at the left. The entirety of each message is always shown. For ASE2000 Version 1, this is the only way to view communication line traffic. ASE2000 Version 2 supports this view as well as the new Messages View.

Messages View. This view provides an alternate format presentation of master/remote communication messages, one message per line, with time, direction, and message name. This compact format allows presentation of many more messages, in the same monitor space, than the Line Monitor view, and makes it easier to locate a particular message. Clicking on any message generates an expanded view of that message, frequently with more information than contained in the Line Monitor View. The Messages View is useful when the user wants to see details of selected messages only. The Line Monitor View is useful to see details on all messages.

Message Query. An expanded search tool allows detailed interrogation of current communication messages and of capture files. Full XML XPath queries are supported.

Tool Bar. In response to user requests, the layout has been changed to include ICONs for frequently selected options.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION The ASE2000 Version 2 Test Set is a .NET application that can operate under Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 and requires installation of both ASE and Microsoft components. ASE

ASE2000 Version 2 software BCOM-USB or USB Dongle I/O driver

Microsoft

.NET Framework 4 (Later releases of the ASE2000 may require a newer version of Framework).

SQL Server, Compact Edition Windows Operating System Support ASE2000 Version 2 operates under Window XP, Vista, or Windows 7. It is not supported on older Microsoft operating system or in any non-Windows operating system. A single ASE2000 executable is supported on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the operating systems but requires installation of the appropriate I/O driver, 32-bit or 64-bit, for the Windows system being used.

Hardware Requirements ASE2000 Version 2 operation requires an ASE-manufactured BCOM-USB device or USB Dongle. (An exception exists for trial mode).

The ASE2000 Version 2 will not operate with an ASE PCMCIA communication card unless a BCOM-USB or USB Dongle is also present.

ASEs BCOM-USB device contains two RS-232 channels both capable of bit or byte communication. It also supports 5 VDC power and RS-232 connection to ASEs dual channel modem, similar to connection with ASEs PCMCIA card. Users with a PCMCIA-based ASE2000 Version 1 package and wishing to upgrade to Version 2 must also upgrade their PCMCIA card to a BCOM-USB device or ASE USB Dongle. Contact ASE sales at [email protected] for details on the upgrade process. ASE2000 Version 1 will continue to operate with the BCOM-USB device as long as release 1.47 or later is installed. That is, upgrade customers will be able to use Version 1 or Version 2 software with the BCOM-USB device. Upgrade customers are allowed to retain their PCMCIA card until the new BCOM-USB device is delivered.

For serial operations, the ASE2000 can use both ports on the USB-BCOM board or any other serial port as long as it is supported by a Windows compatible COM port I/O driver.

For network operation, the ASE2000 operates over any standard network device (NIC) using a standard Windows I/O driver.

Installation Setup Microsoft components, .NET Framework and SQL Server, if not already present, will be automatically installed during the ASE2000 installation process. Only the English language versions will be automatically installed. If non-English versions are required, they should be installed manually before the ASE2000 installation. This requires Internet connection.

Installation Procedure To install and run the ASE2000 Version 2:

For non-English operation, make sure the appropriate language .NET Framework and Compact SQL components are installed before installing the ASE2000

Install the ASE2000 Version 2 software. This will install .NET Framework and Compact SQL components if required.

For a fully licensed version, install the I/O driver for the ASE BCOM-USB dual-channel device or USB key. Install the driver version appropriate for your Windows version (32-bit or 64-bit).

For a trial version, download and install a trial version setup program from www.ase-systems.com. More details can be found on that web site

QUICK-START GUIDE The following Quick-Start sections contain step-by-step procedures that will enable the user to quickly get up-and-running for basic test set operations. Quick-Start procedures are provided for the Operational Modes, Task and Exchange, and for the Communication Modes, Master Simulation, RTU Simulation, and Monitor. The procedures consist of steps which are common for any test set operation and steps that are protocol dependent. The set-up for any test set operation consists of the following main areas:

1. Physically connect Test Set PC to the communication circuit. 2. Launch ASE2000 Test Set application 3. Select Operational Mode, Task Mode or Exchange Mode. 4. Select and configure protocol 5. Configure communication settings 6. Select Communication Mode and start communicating

Additional quick-start information is contained in protocol specific sections. These sections can be located by performing a search on the string quick-start (omit the quotes).

Physical Connection to Communication Circuit The first step of set-up is the physical connection of the test set PC to the communication circuit. How the test set PC is connected to the communication circuit depends on a number of factors but it is basically determined by the physical characteristics of the communication circuit and the test set Communication Mode to be used. Refer to the diagrams and descriptions contained in the section ASE2000 Cabling for the configuration that matches the test environment to be used. Once the physical connection has been made, proceed to the next step.

Launch ASE2000 Test Set Application From the Windows Start button, select All Programs > ASE>ASE2000 V2 Communications Test Set>ASE2000 V2 Comm Test Set or, if a shortcut was previously created on the desktop, select the ASE2000 V2 icon to launch the ASE2000 application.

Select Operational Mode Task Mode or Exchange Mode Once the ASE2000 application has started, the next step is to select the desired Operational Mode. If it is the first activation of the ASE2000 software on the PC, the ASE2000 will, by default, start in Exchange Mode. If there have been previous executions of the ASE2000 on the PC, the default Operational Mode will be the mode the test set was in upon exit of the previous execution. Also, if the last Operational Mode was Exchange Mode and the test environment was saved in a MONX file, the last used

MONX file will automatically be opened on start-up. If in Task Mode at the time of exit of the previous execution, then Task Mode will be the default start-up Operational Mode and the default active RTU will be the last RTU selected. To select other than the default Operational Mode, select Mode from the task bar then select the desired mode.

Selection and Configuration of Protocol The method for selection and configuration of protocol will depend on the Operational Mode.

Exchange Mode Protocol Selection and Configuration In Exchange Mode, protocol selection is performed in one of three ways:

Default protocol on start-up If the default Operational Mode on start-up is Exchange Mode and there was a saved MONX file during the previous execution, the last used MONX file will automatically be loaded on start-up. This will establish operational parameters based on what was previously set in the MONX file.

Open existing MONX file To establish an operating environment based on a previously saved MONX file, from the task bar select File > Open and browse to the folder containing the previously saved MONX file. Select the file and then select Open. This will establish operational parameters based on what is contained in the MONX file.

Select protocol from protocol menu On initial execution of the test set software or if a protocol is required for which there is no existing MONX file, the required protocol is selected from the Available Protocols menu. From the task bar select File > Select Protocol then select the required protocol from the list. The Exchange List view will be updated to contain the set of exchanges (commands, protocol messages) specific to the selected protocol. All other operational

parameters will be set to default values and will have to be modified for the current test environment. This may include communication settings, device specific settings (RTU ID, point configuration, etc), and protocol specific settings.

Task Mode Device Selection and Configuration In Task Mode, protocol selection and configuration is accomplished by selecting a device where protocol is a property of the device selected. Device selection is performed in one of three ways:

Default device on start-up If the default Operational Mode on start-up is Task Mode and there was an active device during the previous execution, the last active device will be the default active device on startup.

Select previously defined device To select a device that is different than the current active device, select from the list of displayed devices in the Task window. If the required device has been previously defined but does not appear in the list of displayed devices, select Edit > Configure RTUs and check the display check box for the desired device then select Finish. The device should now be displayed in the devices area of the Task window and can be selected as the active device by clicking on the line containing the device.

Define new device On initial execution of the test set software or if a new device definition is required, use the Configure RTUs Wizard to define the new device. Select Edit > Configure RTUs to bring up the Configure RTUs Wizard page. On the line containing the *, enter the device Name, Id, and select the appropriate protocol from the Protocol drop-down list. When the device information has been entered, select the Next>> button which will bring up the point configuration display. Using the entry fields, enter Point Type, First Point Id, and Point Count. When the point configuration entry is complete, select the Finish button to exit the Configure RTUs Wizard.

Indicates current active Task Mode device

Enter device name, select device protocol from pull-down list and enter device (RTU) Id. Then, select Next to enter device point configuration.

Protocol Specific Configuration Quick-Start instructions for protocol specific information is contained in individual protocol specific sections. These sections can be located by performing a search on the string quick-start (omit the quotes). Perform the required protocol specific configuration then proceed with Configuration of Communication Settings.

Configuration of Communication Settings With the physical connection between the test set PC and the communication circuit established, the ASE2000 software running, and the Operational Mode established, the next step is to set the communication parameters to reflect the physical properties of the connection. The next sections describe the procedures for setting parameters for serial data communication and for network connections.

Communication Settings for Serial Data Communication Configuration of communication settings for serial data utilizes the Properties display and Comm tab. From the main task bar, select Tools > Properties > Comm tab.

Verify current settings and, where appropriate, modify the settings for the current test session. NOTE: If a switch to a different Operational Mode is performed after modification of a communication setting, re-check the settings as they may have changed as a result of the mode switch.

1. Verify the Channel A and Channel B Direction settings reflect the physical connection between the test set PC and equipment being tested. If working in Master Simulation or RTU Simulation mode, only one channel connection is necessary.

2. Under Line Properties, set Carrier setting. In most cases, Switched or Constant will be used. If the physical connection utilizes a Null Modem or a real modem, the setting should be Switched. Otherwise, use Constant. For the other settings, see the more detailed description of the communication settings.

3. Verify Baud Rate matches baud rate of device to be communicated with.

4. If the selected protocol is byte-oriented, check the Native Async Mode check box. For bit-oriented protocols, un-check it.

5. The default Modem Timing settings will usually work in most circumstances. 6. The default Delays & Timeouts will usually work in most circumstances.

Communication Settings for Network Communication Configuration of communication settings for network communications utilizes the Properties display and the protocol specific tab (DNP3 WAN/LAN, Modbus TCP, or IEC 60870-5-104). From the main task bar, select Tools > Properties > protocol specific tab. In most cases, the default parameters will be sufficient. For Master Mode, it is necessary to enter the IP address of the Slave device. This is entered in the Host field. For RTU Simulation and Monitor Mode it is not necessary to enter an IP address.

Select Communication Mode and Start Communicating With the previous quick-start steps complete, the next step is to select the desired Communication Mode. In the lower left corner of the test set screen is a set of Communication Mode selection icons.

The leftmost icon selects Master Simulation Mode.

The middle icon selects Monitor Mode

The rightmost icon selects RTU Simulation Mode With Communication Mode selected, start/stop communication by selecting the desired action from the Player Bar. The Player Bar is normally located in the upper left area of the test set screen. The content of the Player Bar is context sensitive and displayed content will depend on Operational Mode and Communication Mode.

The icon is the Start Communication icon and is used in all modes

The icon is the Stop Communication icon and is used in all modes

The icon is the Send Continuous icon and is only used in Exchange Mode / Master Simulation Mode

The icon is the Send Once icon and is only used in Exchange Mode / Master Simulation Mode

Exchange Mode Master Simulation Mode Three communication options are available; Send Once, Send Continuous, Selected Exchanges. Send Once and Send Continuous are used with a single exchange. From the Exchange View, select the line containing the desired exchange then select Send Once or Send Continuous. It is also possible to specify multiple exchanges to be used in a communication session. This is done by selecting the Flags field for the desired exchanges, setting the check-box for Transmit, and selecting the Start Communication Player icon. All exchanges with the Transmit flag set will be repeated continuously at the configured frequency.

Exchange Mode Monitor Mode Select the Start Communication icon.

Exchange Mode RTU Simulation Mode Select the Start Communication icon.

Task Mode Master Simulation Mode In Exchange Mode, one or more individual exchanges are selected for processing. In Task Mode, Task Activities are selected for processing. The actual protocol exchanges associated with each Task Activity are pre-determined based on protocol.

Select Transmit check-box for each exchange to be processed when Start Communication is selected

Select the desired Task Group, select the desired Task Activity, and then select the Start Communication Player icon. The selected activity will be repeated continuously at the configured frequency.

Task Mode Monitor Mode The only Task Group available is Scan Responses so no Task selection is necessary. Select the Start Communication icon

Task Mode RTU Simulation Mode The only Task Group available is Scan Responses so no Task selection is necessary. Select the Start Communication icon

Currently selected Task Group and Task Activity

Selectable Task Groups

COMMUNICATION MESSAGE PROCESSING This section describes the test set capability for saving and viewing previously saved communication messages. Communication Messages are initially generated as the result of communication or attempted communication between two or more devices. From the test set perspective, Communication Messages result from Master Mode operation, Monitor Mode operation, or RTU Simulation Mode operation and applies to both Exchange Mode and Task Mode. During a live communication session (Master Mode, RTU Simulation, or Monitor Mode), communication messages are always stored in the Current Message Buffer. This is an internal temporary storage area within the test set specifically intended to store communication message data. In addition, the Current Message Buffer is used to store:

Communication message data resulting from importing previously saved message data importing (File > Import> Communication Messages).

Communication message data previously stored in a capture file when the View Capture option is selected.

When the File > Export > Communication Messages option is selected, the data stored in the Current Message Buffer will be written to the designated .MSGX file. The Line Monitor or Messages views will display data currently in the Current Message Buffer regardless of where the message data was obtained. The following screen shot illustrates the same message data displayed in the Messages view and the Line Monitor view.

Also, the message data as shown in the Line Monitor View can be printed to a Windows supported printer, a searchable PDF file, or a Windows TXT file. Printing to a file provides a convenient means for sharing the message data with another party. In the printed version of the message data, the raw data as show in the left window pane above is merged with the interpreted message data as shown below.

There are two basic facilities for saving and viewing previously saved messages, the Message Export/Import facility and the Capture facility. The two facilities provide similar capability in that they both store communication message data in a form that can be later retrieved and viewed. The differences are that the Message Export/Import facility can be used to save whatever is currently in the Current Message Buffer and is limited by the size of the Current Message Buffer whereas the Capture facility must be enabled prior to the start of a communication session.

Message Export/Import Facility This facility is used to save current message data and to retrieve message data previously saved in a .msgx file. Since the save process is initiated after a communication session has occurred and while the data of interest is still in the Current Communication Buffer, it is a useful tool for preserving an unexpected occurrence for later analysis. To save the contents of the Current Communication Buffer, communication must be stopped. Select File>Export>Communication Messages, specify a folder and file name, select Save. To retrieve message data from a previously saved MSGX file, Select File>Export>Communication Messages, specify a folder and file name, select Open. The contents of the specified file will be read and stored in the Current Communication Buffer where it can be viewed in the Messages view, the Line Monitor view, and printed from the Line Monitor view.

Message Capture Facility This facility provides similar capability to the Message Export/Import facility in that it also provides for saving and retrieving message data. The primary difference is that it allows the user to store a much larger number (user configurable) of messages. Also, message capture must be enabled prior to starting a communication session. Unlike the Message Export/Import facility, the Message Capture facility does not use a Windows file to store message data but rather a Capture Database that contains one or more Capture Sessions. To initiate a capture session, use the Capture name select drop-down menu in the task bar to select an existing capture name or define a new name and specify the maximum size, in messages. The Count field shows the number of messages currently stored in the named capture session.

The currently select capture session name is displayed in the Task Bar.

Capturing can be started, stopped, and paused using the player buttons located in the task bar. The capture player controls are independent from the communication player buttons so that it is possible to start, stop, and pause capturing without affecting data communication. However, only communication messages that occur while capturing is active (start button pressed) will be saved. It is important to be aware of the functioning of the capture player buttons as it affects when data is captured and when the contents of the capture session are reset.

Pressing the Play button will cause new communication messages to be stored in the current capture session as they occur. The Play icon will be replaced

by the Pause icon and the Stop icon will be selectable. If capturing was in a stopped state, rather than a paused state, when the Play button was pressed the prior contents (if any) of the capture session will be reset (erased).

Pressing the Pause icon will suspend capturing and the Pause icon will be replaced with the Play icon. The Stop icon will still be selectable since capturing is only in a paused state. Capturing can be resumed without resetting the contents of the capture session by pressing the Play icon.

Pressing the Stop icon will stop message capturing. CAUTION, from a stopped state, pressing the capture play button will cause the contents of the currently selected capture session to be erased.

With capturing and communication both in a stopped state, the contents of the currently selection capture session can be viewed by selecting File>View Capture.

SCREEN LAYOUT The main areas of the ASE2000 screen are, top to bottom:

Title Line The Title Line appears at the top of the screen and presents operational information:

Program Name The loaded MONX (configuration) file name The currently selected protocol Communication Mode (Master Simulation, RTU Simulation, or Monitor mode) Operational Mode (Exchange or Task mode)

Menu Bar The Menu Bar, the second line from the top, contains the set of pull-down menus.

File Menu

Program Name ProtocolConfig File

Comm Mode Op. Mode

Contents of the file pull-down menu are shown above. Some of the entries in the File Menu are context sensitive and will be grayed out if the option is not available in the current test set mode or test set operation. The first four options are used to create, open, or save a file. The ASE2000 supports two files types: MONX files contain Exchange Mode configuration information including the protocol,

window layout, and user and data entry values. The default file extension for an ASE2000 Version 2 configuration file is MONX. MONX files are not compatible with ASE2000 Version 1 configuration files, whose extension is MON. MONX files are applicable to Exchange Mode operation only and can neither be saved nor opened while running in Task Mode.

MSGX files contain information in the Line Monitor and Messages view at the time the file is created. A saved MSGX file can be sent to another ASE2000 user for viewing.

The print menu items are present only for views that support printing. This would include Line Monitor, Event Log, Line Analyzer, and Point List. Individual items on the file pull-down menu are: New Set the ASE2000 to default setting and initial values. Valid in Exchange

Mode only Open Open an existing MONX or MSGX file Save Saves current information into the last used MSGX or MONX file Save As Same as Save, except that you will be prompted to enter a file name prior

to saving Page Setup Enter print configuration information Print Print the current contents of the Line Monitor view Print Preview Print preview of the current contents of the Line Monitor view Select Protocol Valid in Exchange Mode only, allows selection of any licensed

communication protocol. (Task Mode protocol is determined from the selected RTU device.)

View Capture Views contents of the currently selected capture file. A capture file

contains information from a communication session. This is explained in more detail later.

Import Used to import previously saved Communication Messages file or DNP3 Certification Procedure file.

Export Used to export Communication Messages to a file for later retrieval and

analysis or DNP3 Certification Test results file. 1-File Name The four most recently opened MONX file are shown for easy access 2-File Name 3-File Name 4-File Name Exit Exits the ASE2000

Edit Menu The Edit pull-down list is context sensitive and appears differently depending on the active view. The contents of this pull-down list are explained later under the section for each applicable view.

View Menu The View pull-down list provides access to the various Test Set views. Enabled views are identified with a check-box. A disabled view is enabled by selecting that view. An enabled view is disabled by selecting that view.

Tasks Enables the Task List, available only in Task Mode. Task Mode is a new

feature not present in ASE2000 Version 1 Message Query Builder Provides the ability to build a XML XPath search query.

Queries can be used to search the current communication information or used to filter the messages stored in a capture file.

Point List The current Point Data List is similar to that in ASE2000 Version 1. It displays point names, values, and other information about all active devices

Exchange List The current Exchange List is the same as in ASE2000 Version 1. It displays all exchanges (messages) supported by the currently selected protocol. The Exchange View is not available when operating in Task Mode

Line Monitor The communication Line Monitor view is the same as in ASE2000 Version 1. It displays raw data and expanded interpretation of all communication messages

Message List Presents communication line messages in an alternate form to that of the Line Monitor view. The Message Lists compact presentation (one message per line) allows more messages to be shown at one time than in the Line Monitor view.

Event Log The Event Log is the same as in ASE2000 Version 1. It presents one line for each event detected, as explained in the subsequent discussion of the Events Properties Tab

Line Analyzer is a special view available only for serial protocols and only when operating with an ASE-manufactured I/O card. It presents a millisecond-resolution plot of receive data and carrier (DCD) on each of two input lines

Tools Menu

The tools pull-down menu contains three selections:

Properties - allows entry of many editable properties. This contains much of the information that, for the ASE2000 Version 1, was found in the Properties pull-down lists

Customize - controls content of the Tool-Bar line. By default, all Tool-Bar content is enabled. Items can be removed by un-checking their selection. For more information, see the Tool-Bar description in next section

User Preferences - allows customization of ASE2000 display colors

Communication Properties Comm Tab

The Comm Properties tab contains information controlling serial communication ports Some of this applies only to ASE devices. Channel A and B defines the communication port(s) to use for serial protocols. Two

ports are typical for monitor mode operations, and one port for RTU or Master Simulation mode RTU Simulation mode uses the To Master port for

communication to the master Master Simulation mode uses the To RTU port for

communication to the RTU, IED, or PLC

Line Monitoring mode expects to receive messages from the master on the To Master port, and messages from the RTU on the To RTU port

Show ASE Ports Only If checked, only ports on ASE-manufactured I/O cards are shown

in the Ports pull-down list. If unchecked, all system COM ports are shown

Carrier Controls treatment of the RTS, CTS, and DCD signals

Constant: In RTU and Master Simulation modes, causes the ASE2000 to assert RTS on startup and keep RTS asserted until the user ends the communication session. (RTS is never asserted in Monitor Mode.) CTS is not checked or required for transmission. DCD is not checked or required for reception

Switched: On transmission, RTS is asserted before each message. The message is sent after the Pre-Mark time has elapsed following detection of CTS. RTS is deasserted after the Post-Mark time has elapsed following transmission of the last data bit. On reception, DCD is required

Switched by RTU Only: operates in Constant mode for messages sent from the master (transmission in Master Simulation mode or reception in any other mode) and switched mode for message sent from the RTU (transmission in RTU Simulation mode or reception in any other mode)

Switched RS-485: On transmission, RTS is asserted before each message. The message is sent after the Pre-Mark time has elapsed following RTS assertion. RTS is deasserted after the Post-Mark time has elapsed following transmission of the last data bit. CTS is not checked or required for transmission. DCD is not checked or required for reception

Baud Rate Standard baud rates can be selected from the pull-down list. Other

baud rates can be entered manually. The BCOM-USB supports rates to 56 KB for byte protocols and to 9600 for bit protocols

Half-Duplex Filtering The ASE2000 assumes operation over a full-duplex line, or (if

half-duplex) with half-duplex equipment that squelches the receiver while the ASE2000 is transmitting. For half-duplex circuits with no squelch capability, data transmitted by the ASE2000 may be echoed back to the ASE2000 causing the ASE2000 to display transmitted messages twice. Setting the Half Duplex Filtering option may, in some cases, filter out duplicate occurrence of transmitting messages. This option operates by discarding input data received while the transmit CTS signal is on

Ignore Post-Msg Noise can eliminate noise caused when external modems shut down. If enabled, the ASE2000 discards all input data received after it determines that a complete message has been received. Discarding continues until the incoming carrier (DCD) drops

Native Asynch Mode For byte protocols such as DNP3, there are two ways to operate an

ASE manufactured serial card: Bit Mode and Native Asynch Mode. Bit mode provides the ASE2000 with control over low level timing properties, but can result in extra communication errors at higher baud rate. Native Asynch Mode operation may remove these communication errors

Pre-Xmit Mark For switched carrier operation, specifies the time, in milliseconds,

between detection of CTS and transmission of the first data bit Post-Xmit Mark For switched carrier operation, specifies the time, in milliseconds,

between transmission of the last data bit and de-asserting RTS Preference This option is applicable to insertion of pre-mark and post-mark

times in transmission of legacy (bit) protocol messages. Because of hardware operation, the actual inserted time may exceed the sum of the entered times by as much as 7 bits (i.e., the time required to transmit 7 bits). The ASE2000 has the option of assigning this excess to the pre-mark time, the post-mark time, or both. The Preference option can be used to specify one of these two times to be transmitted as accurately as possible. Any excess time will be assigned to the non-specified time. (For no specification, half the excess time is assigned to each).

In practice, we have found this option to be useful only for old CDC protocol devices, which operates best be selecting Post-Mark

Receiver Squelch Used for reception of data in switched carrier mode. Defines a time, in milliseconds, starting on incoming carrier (DCD) detection. Data received during this time is discarded

Inter-Message A minimum time between ASE2000 transmissions of consecutive

messages. Does not apply to messages received by the ASE2000. This setting applies to all messages except the Operate message in a select-before-operate sequence

Intra-Message Similar to the Inter-Message delay explained above, applies only to

the Operate message in a select-before-operate sequence Response Time the ASE2000 waits for a response from the RTU before

declaring a response timeout

Display Properties Display Tab The Display Properties tab contains information located under Properties/Display in the ASE2000 Version 1 Test Set.

Millisecond Time If checked, each message sent or received is time-stamped to the

nearest millisecond (based on accuracy of the PC clock). If unchecked, messages are time-stamped to the nearest second

RTU Response Time If checked, each RTU response message is shown with an elapsed

millisecond time, calculated from the last bit transmitted of the prior master request to the first bit of the corresponding RTU response. This feature requires ASE serial communication hardware and is not available with standard COM ports

Enabled Exchanges Only If checked, only exchanges that are enabled and that the

ASE2000 can identify are displayed. Enabled exchanges are identified with a D flag in the Exchange View. This flag can be modified from the Exchange Properties menu.

For example, removing the D flag from all except control

exchanges and checking Enabled Exchanges Only will causes the ASE2000 to display only control messages.

A subtle use of this option is derived from logic the ASE2000 uses

to identify an exchange. Identification requires an input message with data that matches an entry in the exchange list. Match requires all pertinent properties of the message be the same, including content items such as function code and device ID. If data for an incoming message is as defined in an exchange in all aspects except the device ID, then the message is not identifiable (for purposes of this discussion).

A global device ID value can be entered to apply to all exchanges.

If set, messages received from any other ID cannot be identified. Therefore, setting the global device ID and checking Enabled Exchanges Only will causes the ASE2000 to display messages to and from the selected device only.

Raw Data Format Controls display format of raw communication words shown in the

Line Monitor and Messages views Default Display Formats Controls presentation format of interpreted data values for each

supported point type (Digital, MCD, Analog, and Pulse) and for the point ID

Query Filters Allow selection of a previously defined query to run against

monitoring data before adding to a capture file. This provides the ability to limit messages stored in the capture file to only those which meet specific criteria. This can be useful in limiting the amount of data stored when capturing over an extended period of time.

Protocol Properties Protocol Tab

Default Exchange Values The contents of the list of enterable values in this section

changes based on the currently selected protocol. (The example above is for DNP3.) The list provides the ability to enter default values for key protocol message components such as Device Address, Group Number, Point Number, and so on

Message Times Controls values to use when transmitting messages containing date

and time information, typically for time synchronization and sequence of events. The default is to use system (PC) time, but each component (hour, minute, etc.) can be set to a specific value

Force Errors The contents of this section change based on the currently selected

protocol and define a list of errors the ASE2000 can generate in message compilation and transmission. This feature is useful for

verification that a given device can process an errant message correctly. The last item in the list is always Randomly Select From Those Checked. If selected, the ASE2000 will occasionally send a message with one type of error selected from all those checked. If Randomly Select From Those Checked is not checked, then an errant message is sent every time and will include errors corresponding to all checked items.

Point Properties Point Tab

The Point Tab allows customization of input and output point interpretation parameters. For the most part, information in this section is set according to the rules of the active protocol and changes may cause the ASE2000 to process point data incorrectly. The user should not change information in this menu unless absolutely certain that the change is correct. Changes should not be made as a guess to correct a perceived problem. Bits Per Defines the number of data bits for each point or block of points.

For example, if analogs are 12 bits each and digitals are reported in blocks of 8 bits each, then the corresponding entries should be 12 and 8. These fields in particular should not be changed unless absolutely certain that your device is configured different than the protocol standard

First ID For each point type, contains the index of the first point returned in

a communication message. This field is present because some companies consider the first point reported from a device to be index 1, while others consider the first point to be index 0. The value entered here is used for assigning point IDs when an ID not explicitly contained in the communication message. For example, no point ID information is contained in a Conitel message. When the protocol message contains point ID information, such as is the case for DNP3, the message information is always used

Analog Point Information Contains several fields controlling analog value conversion

and display. The ASE2000 provides default settings consistent with the active protocol. This field is present and enterable because some protocols support more than one type of analog input conversion

Raw Format Controls converting raw data bits to a numeric value

2s Compliment, Sign Magnitude, BCD, 1s compliment, and Unsigned convert the value as described

Redac Special is used only for Redac 70H and Redac 70DE protocols

Bias 2048 is a linear conversion where a raw value of all 0s represents the smallest negative number, all 1s represents the largest positive number, and the mid-value (1 in the most significant bit and all 0s elsewhere) represents 0.

Getac LP is used only for Getac 7020-LP protocol Reverse Bias is used as the inverse of Bias-2048. Conversion is

basically the same, but the sign of the result is changed

Low and High Limits are used for RTU simulation and specify the minimum and maximum values the ASE2000 will transmit. They also specify the maximum value for Raw units display (see next paragraph)

Raw Units and Highest Value When the selected analog display format is Volts

per Ma, analog values are converted between the linear scale of 0 to High Limit to the linear scale of 0 to Highest Value. For example, consider a raw input value of 1024 and a High Limit of 2048. This represents 50% of full scale (1024 is 50% of 2048). 50% is applied to Highest Value, which, if 1, results in a displayed value of 50% of 1, or 0.5. Another way of looking at this is to consider an A/D converter that accepts inputs from 0 to 1 volt and that digitizes those inputs to a value between 0 and 2048. An input of 0.5 volts will digitize to

1024, which the ASE2000 will display as 0.5. If the Raw Units setting is Volts, then the full ASE2000 display is 0.5 volts.

Pulse Point Information Contains fields controlling pulse accumulator (counter) value

conversion and display. Raw Format is similar to that for analogs

Wrap Value is used only for RTU simulation and specifies one more than the

maximum value the ASE2000 should transmit.

Events Properties Events Tab

The ASE2000 can detect three classes of events and the user can configure action for the ASE2000 to perform as an event is each class is detected. The classes are:

Point Value A change in state of certain digital points, or an analog value exceeding an alarm limit or returning within limits after having previously exceeded a limit. Points to be considered in event processing are defined from the Point Values view

Exchange Detection of any event-enabled exchange. Event exchanges are specified from the Exchanges properties menu

Comm Errors Any communication error, including parity, security, and timeout Each event class can be enabled for Display, Log, or Audible processing, or for any subset thereof

Display processing causes a one-line entry to appear in the Line Monitoring view Log processing causes an entry to be written to the text log file Audible processing causes the PC audible to be sounded briefly

The Stop Communications on Display Event option, if checked, causes the ASE2000 to stop communication after detection of any event with Display processing enabled Other Tabs Other protocol-dependent tabs may be present depending on the currently selected protocol. Please refer to protocol-dependent sections of this document for more information.

Mode Menu

Used to switch between Task Mode and Exchange Mode.

Help Menu The Help menu appears as shown below.

Contents, Index, and Search are standard Help system options ASE Online opens a browser to the Applied Systems Engineering home page. In addition

to ASE Product information, ASE2000 support information can be accessed by clicking on the Support target and then selecting ASE2000 Knowledge Database

Contact Support composes an Email to ASE Support. Questions should be answered within one business day. (ASE is located in the Pacific Time zone)

Check for Updates interrogates the ASE web site for new ASE2000 Version 2 releases. Updates are free for one year after the date of purchase. Extended software (and hardware) support contracts are available. The current software-update expiration date is located under Help and Licensing

Licensing lists the license type (trial, temporary, or normal) and expiration date. A Trial license is available for evaluation and does not require any ASE hardware.

A temporary license provides full functionality for a specified time. This is granted to customers upgrading from a version 1 Test Set until the prior version 1 hardware is returned (typically a PCMCIA card)

A temporary license is upgraded, via Email, to a full license on return of version 1 hardware. A normal license allows full functionality with no expiration date

About provides the ASE2000 build date and version number

Tool Bar The Tool Bar is divided into four areas as shown in the following diagram.

Tool Bar for Network Protocols in Master or RTU Simulation Mode

Tool Bar for Network Protocols is Monitor Mode Some areas may change based on current mode and protocol settings. Examples above appear for:

Master simulation mode for a serial protocol, and Master simulation mode for a network protocol, and

Player Buttons

Capture File Control

Comm Port Selection

Query Control

Time Line

Monitor mode for a network protocol

Player Buttons Player Buttons are used to start and stop communication. ICON Name In Exchange Mode In Task Mode

Start/Continues

Starts Master Simulation, RTU Simulation, or Monitor operation, as configured

In Master Simulation mode, starts or continues repetitive transmission of messages for the current task. In Monitor or RTU Simulation mode, simply Starts or Continues communication.

Send Continuously

Starts repetitive transmission of the selected (highlighted) exchange

N/A

Send Once

Transmits the selected (highlighted) exchange once

Transmits messages associated with the current task once

Stop Stops communication Stops communication

(need icon)

Resume N/A Resumes communication

Time Line The Time Line contains a real-time presentation of communication traffic showing data and carrier signals in both directions (master requests and device responses)

Capture File Control A capture file records communication line traffic over a period of time. A capture file contains message information obtained while enabled.

ICON Name Description

Start Starts file capture

Stop Stops file capture (should use an enabled icon)

File Selection

Used to specify and enable a specific capture file. The ICON contains the name of the currently active (most recently selected) file, Capture1 in this example

Information recorded to the active capture file can be viewed by selecting File and View Capture or selecting the file selection icon

The default condition for storing messages to the Capture File is to store all messages processed while capturing is enabled. However, it is possible to store only messages that meet a certain criteria. This is done by using the Message Query facility to define one or more message filters and have the filters applied as a condition for storing in the capture file. See the section Message Query Builder and Message Query for the procedure to define a query. To have a specific query used to filter captured messages, select Tools > Properties > Display tab and, in the Query Filters section, select the desired query (filter).

Communication Port Selection This section can show one of two sets of ICONs. The first is shown when a serial protocol is selected. The second is show for network protocols.

Serial Protocol Ports, Master and RTU Simulation The serial protocol set allows entry of two COM ports. One COM port, identified as To RTU, communicates to the RTU (IED or PLC). In Master Simulation mode, it is the only port used. The other COM port, identified as To Master, communicates to the master. In RTU Simulation mode, it is the only port used. Both ports are used in Line Monitoring mode. Messages from the RTU should be received on the To RTU port and messages from the master on the To Master port1.


COM ports Pull-down lists allow for COM port selection

Direction Switches the To RTU and To Master ports

Network Protocol Ports, Master and RTU Simulation

The network protocol set allows entry of the target IP address and includes some limited control over connection processing. It appears as:


Target Node

The data entry in the middle of the network protocol ICON area allows entry of a target device, either as an

1 When monitoring communication for a protocol with direction information in the message, such as DNP3, the ASE2000 interprets messages correctly regardless of which port is to RTU and which is To Master

IP address or a node name. This field should be entered if the ASE2000 is to initiate a connection, most typically done when acting as a master. This field can be left blank when the ASE2000 is accepting a connection, or when operating in monitor mode

Browse Enables a network browser and selection of a network node by name

Connect Normally, a TCP/IP connection is automatically made

when master mode communication starts and closed when communication complete. Selecting this target will establish the connection immediately which will remain until explicitly closed. This is useful for IEC 60870-5-104 protocol

Network Protocol, Monitoring Mode


Filter Nodes

In monitor mode, all detected traffic for the selected protocol is displayed. In networks with multiple connections, it may be desirable to display traffic only for a particular device. An IP addresses entered into the left of the two entry fields shown identifies the master in a remote/master connection. The right field identifies the remote. The ASE2000 will only process communication for the address or addresses entered. Entry also identifies IP address is for the master and which for the remote. This information is contained in communication messages for some protocols such as DNP3, but not for others such as Modbus

Browse Enables a network browser and selection of a network node by name

Query Control The ASE2000 allows definition and activation of queries to search the contents of the current communication buffer or communication information loaded from a capture file. The query is defined using a query definition screen and, when complete, an XPath string is created and applied to the communications buffer. Query ICONS are shown below.

More detail is provided in the Message Query Builder section of this document.

Work Space The main client area of the screen is called the work space. The work space is the container for all the documents that that are used to interact with the test set. Each document has a Tab which identifies the document.

Drag Repositioning Tab documents can be repositioned at runtime by dragging the tab header and dropping it on a new position of the drag indicator. The drag indicator is the control in the center of the workspace (not the indicators at the edge or the work space). As the tab document is dragged over the indicator the screen will highlight the new position the document will assume. If the tab document is dropped away from the drag indicator, a floating document is created. This document is not attached to the main screen. This might be useful in a situation where multiple monitors are attached.

Context Menu The work space shows a context menu when the the right mouse button is clicked on the tab of a document. This menu has several commands that can be used to operate with the work space. The two split commands (horizontal & vertical) can be used to slip the workspace effectively creating two independent workspaces.

Docking The work space area real-estate can be maximized by utilizing the docking system. The docking system allows document to be attached or docked to edges of the screen.

Drag Repositioning Documents can be repositioned at runtime by dragging the header and dropping it on a new position of the docking drag indicators. Drag indicators are placed on each edge of the workspace. As the tab document is dragged over the indicator the screen will highlight the new position the document will assume.

Creating a docked document essentially splits the workspace, thus if you drag a document over this docked workspace, the workspace drag indicator for this work space will also appear. This can be used to add multiple documents to the same docked work space. A docked document can also be dragged back to a workspace effectively undocking the document. If the tab document is dropped away from the drag indicator, a floating document is created. This document is not attached to the main screen.

Auto Hide By pressing the pin button located in the docked header the auto hide state can be toggled. When the docked workspace is in the auto hide state, the documents are shown as tabs on the side of the screen. When you hover the mouse over the tab the document will slide out. Moving the mouse away from the document will result in the document sliding back to the tab state.

Context Menu By pressing the drop down button on docked header a context menu can be displayed,

Layout Persistence Each test set mode (Task & Exchange) has a separate work space layout state. The workspace layout is persisted so that the next time the test set is activated or the test set mode is changed the work space layout is returned to its previous state. Default layouts exist for each Test Set mode and a menu command exists to restore the default layout.

Layout Guidelines Each Test Set document has a preferred orientation. Some documents are vertically oriented and work best either docked or positioned to the right or left edge of the workspace. The rest of the documents have a horizontal orientation and work best as a tabbed document within a workspace.

Status Line The status line at the bottom of the display area appears as follows.

Communication Mode The three ICONs at the left edge are used to select Communication Mode. The ICON corresponding to the current mode is shown is a different color. The current mode is also identified on the title line.

ICON Description

Selects Master Simulation Mode

Selects Line Monitoring Mode

Selects RTU Simulation Mode

Communication Statistics The right portion of the status bar shows communication statistics, representing totals for all communication since the ASE2000 was started. Each statistic type (except for No Rsp) contains two counters. The first (left) counter contains statistic information for Messages Sent by The Master. The second (right) counter contains statistic information for Messages Sent by The RTU. Messages Sent by the Master means:

In Master Simulation mode, messages sent by the ASE2000 In RTU Simulation mode, messages received from the master In Line Monitor mode, messages detected on the channel designated as To

Master Messages sent by the RTU means:

In Master Simulation mode, messages received from the RTU In RTU Simulation mode, messages sent by the ASE2000 In Line Monitor mode, messages detected on the channel designated as To RTU

Individual counters and their meanings are:

Total The left cell is total Messages Sent by the Master. The right cell is total Messages Sent by the RTU

OK Of the total messages transmitted in either direction, the number processed with no communication error

No Resp Of the total Messages Sent by the Master, those to which the RTU should have responded but did not

Line Error Of the total messages transmitted in either direction, the number detected with word parity or framing errors

Sec Error Of the total messages transmitted in either direction, the number detected with protocol security errors such as CRC, BCH, or Checksum

Totals can be reset by right-clicking in the this are of the Status Bar and selecting Reset Statistics

VIEW MENU DETAILS The Views menu allows selection of which displays (views) will be visible. Many of the displays contain information which can be modified using check boxes, radio buttons, and text data entry. Check boxes and radio buttons are self-explanatory but the methods for text data entry require some explanation. Most displays that support text data entry utilize what is referred to a grid format where the information is organized in a set of rows and columns. Individual data items are located in cells and it is the contents of the cell that is modified. In general, there are two basic edit modes that can be implemented, Edit on Entry and Edit on Keystroke. The ASE2000 utilizes the Edit on Keystroke mode. In this mode focus is given on entry but edit mode does not begin until a key stroke or mouse click. A row header can be selected and a delete key will delete the row. A cell cannot be left without validation occurring. The behavior of Edit on Keystroke for each cell type is described.

Checkbox A single mouse click on the checkbox will select the row, activate the cell and change the checkbox.

Textbox A single mouse click will select the row and activate the cell. A keystroke or another mouse click will begin edit mode. Note that a cell value can be effectively changed with two actions, a mouse click and a keystroke. This is the same number of actions as edit on entry.

ComboBox A single mouse click will select the row and activate the cell. o Another mouse click displays the drop down arrow, and clicking the arrow

shows the drop down box. o A keystroke begins the autocomplete feature of the Combobox and displays

the drop down arrow. This is the most efficient way to deal with a ComboBox. CheckBoxDropDown A single mouse click will select the row and activate the

cell. Another mouse click displays the drop down arrow, and clicking the arrow shows

the drop down box. There is no keyboard interface/auto complete available for this cell type.

Tasks The Tasks List view, applicable only in Task Mode, allows the user to select and perform Tasks. Please refer to the section on Task Mode operation.

Message Query Builder and Message Query This view provides the ability to define and apply a search query against a set of communication messages. To fully utilize the capabilities of this feature, it is important to understand the relationship between the Queries and Communication Messages.

A group of Communication Messages is the set of data against which a query is applied and is always the result of communication or attempted communication between two or more devices. The query is typically used to locate one or more messages within a larger set of messages that meet specific criteria. From the test set perspective, Communication Messages result from Master Mode operation, Monitor Mode op

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Documents

communication mode

operational mode task

task mode highlights

task mode device selection

communication circuit

network communication

task mode operational

configuration of protocol